Pepper Spray Shuts Down Mission

Vernon’s Upper Room Mission had to be evacuated after someone discharged pepper spray in the dining room.

Nobody was injured, but about 70 people had to leave the building during the lunch hour today.

Director of Resource Development Lisa Anderson says they have cancelled their dinner for tonight.

“Now we will have to clean everything and throw out all the food because it went into the kitchen,” Anderson tells Kiss FM.

Police are investigating who discharged the spray.

“We don’t even know exactly where it occurred. Some people say it occurred at this table. Other people say it was at another table, and others have said, ‘I think it fell out of somebody’s pocket,'” says Anderson, who didn’t see the incident herself

Anderson says they hope to re-open Thursday.

The social agency on 27th Avenue provides meals for the less fortunate Mondays to Fridays.